As simple as it seems, to eat like a local, you have to go where the locals go for a true foodie experience. That doesn’t mean fancy, but just amazing food. In Aruba this means (sometimes) venturing outside the tourist bubble. Tourists visiting Aruba typically frequent on the west side of the island near Palm Beach or downtown Oranjestad. However, some of the best gems can be found on the east side. of the Island in cities like San Nicolas, Savaneta, or Cura Cubai. Bet you haven’t even heard of some of those cites.
There is no need to be nervous, whether you are traveling solo or in a group. Aruba is a very very safe place and better yet, small and easy to navigate. Take it from me, my family is from Aruba and I travel annually trying new accommodations. Just use common sense, just like you would at home.
But now to the good part. Check out these spots on your next trip to Aruba. Don’t forget to say hi if you see me in line at one (or all) of these gems and don’t forget to pack these must have items!
Try these amazing spots on your next trip to Aruba!
- Kamini’s Kitchen
- O’Neil Caribbean Kitchen
- Zeerover
- La Granja
- New Wei Taai Restaurant
- Pizza Napoli Aruba
- BBQ Express Aruba [Food Truck]
- Chalo Burger Palm Beach [Food Truck]
Kamini’s Kitchen
This is ALWAYS my first stop when I land in Aruba. I make a bee line to order Curry Goat. I’ve tried other things here, but Curry Goat in particular, is by far the best dish. This dish is a little on the pricey side, but goat dishes always are an expensive protein. The location is perfect for a day trip to Baby Beach as it is just 3 minutes away. If you don’t already know, Baby Beach is in the top three beaches in all of Aruba. You can’t miss the restaurant; it is lime green and blue on the left side of the road. If you pass the red anchor monument you’ve gone too far!
Location: East side of island
O’Neil Caribbean Kitchen
This is another great spot outside of the tourist bubble. The classic “Caribbean/Jamaican” dishes can be found in abundance in this restaurant. Yes, it’s not authentic Aruba food, but it is amazing food! I always make sure to get their Jerk Pork dish. It is in the heart of the “art district” with lots of art murals around. This place is too on the east side of the Island but a great spot before or after a trip to Baby Beach or just a ride around the island. Definitely a don’t miss spot!
Location: East side of island
Zeerover
If you like fish and shrimp, this is the place for you! All proteins here are flash fried (not battered) and sprinkled with their special seasoning. And let’s not forget about the view. It is easy to find a seat with the beautiful view of the turquoise water or even grab a seat on the dock itself! You might even see fisherman dropping of their daily catch. Don’t be too intimated by the line. It can appear long at times, but you place your order before you grab a seat. Pro tip! Wednesday is the best day to visit to avoid a long wait time; with Sundays being the worst day to visit. Either way it is the place for Aruba locals and alike to have seafood.
Location: East side of island
La Granja
In the mood for some spit roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even seafood paella rice. The flavors here are indescribable. And just look at that portion size, you definetly get bang for your buck! Now if you are based in Florida, you may be familiar with this chain. However, I can say that it seems like they add their own Aruba flavor. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed. Even a great stop on your way to/from Mangel Halto and Pos Chiquito Beaches.
Location: East side of island
New Wei Taai Restaurant
Conveniently located on the tourist (west) side of the island, this is the place to be on Sundays. Every day of the week it is a Chinese restaurant, but on Sundays they bring out the grill to the front of the building. You will see locals and tourist lined up waiting for their fresh dose of barbeque. For one flat price of about $13 USD you will get chicken, ribs, rice, corn, and coleslaw. Simply pay inside first, take the ticket with their secret code on it and then stand in line. The line goes super quick. Enjoy your food at your hotel, Airbnb, or beachside, since Sunday is the day all locals go to the beach.
Location: West side of island
Pizza Napoli Aruba
You have a lot of options for pizza in Aruba but this place is the only place to go! It is smack dab in the center of the tourist area, located conveniently across Playa Linda Beach Resort, but boy is it amazing pizza. Apparently, the flour for the pizza dough comes all the way from Naples, Italy and they have them displayed to prove it. All pizzas are cooked in a brick oven at very high heat. The result, amazing pizza that has just the right amount of char. Fan favorite is the Margherita con Buffala & Prosciutto pizza. They even use the dough for pizza appetizers and pizza desserts.
Trust me, just get it.
Location: West side of island
Food Truck Time!
Some people might bypass a food truck but they can be one of the best foodie experiences! Check out these two favorites.
BBQ Express Aruba [Food Truck]
Don’t be alarmed by the fact that it is located in a gas station parking lot. The best foodie places always are! Located near Linda’s Dutch Pancakes (good, not great dutch pancakes), this will be some of the best food you will find in close proximity to a gas station. Everything is good here, and boy have I tried a lot. From grilled meat to grilled shrimp to hand-held food this is the place. And let’s not forget the portions are huge, the prices are decent, and you can choose from six sauces to freely drench your food. Only open during evening hours.
Location: West side of island
Chalo Burger Palm Beach [Food Truck]
I can’t say this enough, this is the place to go for amazing late-night burgers. Legend goes, these are Argentine burgers. I don’t know if that is true but, I sure can tell the difference. Don’t come here if you aren’t going to try one of their burgers. I did also try their chicken wings, because the picture on the menu looked so good, but burgers are the way to go. Don’t be like me; stick to the burgers. Okay, I think I made my point. Only open during evening hours.
Location: West side of island